December 7 - 14 Sun - Sun
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Minsk
Based: Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve
Walking: Easy
Description :
The idea of a visit to Belarus while held within the frozen chill of winter might sound unappealing. Snow may indeed be deep, lakes and even the Berezina River frozen and daytime temperatures barely above zero. But this is a dry cold, much more comfortable than the damp atmosphere of a British winter.
Wildlife is thin on the ground yet there is much to see. All mammals are in evidence from the tracks they leave. We can expect to see Elk, European Bison and Wild Boar, with serious possibility of seeing a Wolf. A night-time spotlighting excursion increases chances of seeing large predators and, if this fails, a 'drive' may be organised.
Although birds number few species, there is more than enough to satisfy birding interests. Capercaillie, Black Grouse and Hazel Hen are reliable; raptors include Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Rough-legged Buzzard and Goshawk; Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers are easy to find; Ural Owl is looked for, and small birds include Waxwing (often in very large flocks), Crested Tit, Crossbill, Bullfinch and Brambling, with outside chance of Pine Grosbeak.
Aside from wildlife-viewing excursions we shall also wander through rural villages, meet local people and see at first hand a way of life unimaginable in the west. Belarusian country-folk live off the land in the most real sense, gathering firewood from the forest, drawing water from outside wells and relying heavily on the harvest of the summer.
White winter landscapes in rural White Russia are stunningly beautiful, etching indelible images in the memories of its few visitors.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Sun...Midday Rendezvous:
We fly out to the capital Minsk to be met by our escort and interpreter, then drive by minibus (2 hours) to our accommodation at Dozheritsy in Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve. The area around our base is good for woodpeckers, Great Grey Shrike, Mealy Redpoll, Siskin and Bullfinch, with outside chance of Waxwing and even Pine Grosbeak.
Days 2 - 7 Mon - Sat:
Old-age mixed forest is explored for resident birds including Hazel Hen, Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, Marsh, Willow and Long-tailed Tits (white-headed race) and Nuthatch (white-breasted race). In pure pine forest we look for Capercaillie, Crested Tit and Common Crossbill.
On frozen lakes and around arable areas White-tailed and Golden Eagles, Rough-legged Buzzard and Goshawk are the main raptors we expect to see.
Walks through rural villages are the best bet for Waxwing flocks, Great Grey Shrike and Jackdaw (white-collared race), also enjoyable for encounters with local people and the experience of rural winter life.
European Bison gravitate towards feeding locations where they are reasonably easy to view. Elk are looked for in the frozen bogs, and to see Wild Boar we may have to spend time in a hide.
Spotlighting from a vehicle after dark shall be tried, during which Fox, Raccoon Dog and Pine Marten may be sighted, with chance of a Wolf. We may watch a baited location from a hide. During this early phase of winter animal (and bird) tracks are clear,fresh and easy to interpret.
Day 8 Sun:
Following breakfast we travel directly to Minsk to catch the late morning flight back to London.
Cost: £795...includes:
Seven nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms en suite; lunches days 2-7; all excursions plus transfers in Belarus; tips (if tour is fully subscribed).
Excludes:
Air travel; visa (£19).
Deposit:
£150 No Single Room Supplement Flight cost from London Gatwick to Minsk: circa £300.
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